u/Fantastic-Tower-3313

Today's first visit to the east side of the park included a short trip up the Glacier Basin Trail. The hope was to hop across the Inner Fork White River to access the Emmons Moraine viewpoint, but hopes were dashed upon discovering the bridge has not been installed yet (and last year's bridge didn't make it through the winter).

But not all was lost! By continuing about .25 mile further there is an excellent viewpoint of Mount Rainier just beyond a switchback. Spending some time there was worthwhile before heading back to the campground and parking lot.

Snow is light and the roads were clear. Surprisingly light traffic on this first day of access. Only a few inches of snow remain at Cayuse Pass and probably less then 10 inches on the ground at Chinook Pass.

Don't plan on hiking Naches Peak Loop anytime soon (without special equipment), but it will probably clear out much sooner than the typical early July days of the past.

Another addition was made to the road opening list today. The road to the White River Entrance and White River Campground is scheduled to open Friday, May 22nd.

Photo of Mount Rainier from the Wonderland Trail's White River crossing adjacent to the the White River Campground on August 1st, 2024.

As is usually the case, the Stevens Canyon Road is opening in tandem with Highway 410 over Chinook Pass and Highway 123 over Cayuse Pass.

No posting yet about the White River Entrance and the road to the White River Campground, which usually opens on the same day at 410.

Photo from July 24th, 2025 from Faraway Rock. View of the Stevens Canyon Road as it weaves its way below Unicorn Peak and past Lake Louise.

Better sometime than never, NPS has updated the opening for highways 410 and 123. May 22nd is the big day. I expect minimal snow at the passes with hiking season on the high trails starting almost immediately. We'll see if my predictions are right.

Photo from along the Naches Peak Loop Trail, south side

Some creative middle schoolers out there

May 10th update: The Greenwater Lakes trailhead remains basically unsigned about 1 mile beyond the Forest Road 70 junction with Forest Road 7030. The trailhead is in good condition with restrooms unlocked (but lacking TP) and the garbage cans emptied. Watch for numerous downed trees between the trailhead and my turn around point, the sign that indicates the trail is entering the Norse Peak Wilderness, which is just south of Upper Greenwater Lake. Only two were modestly difficult crossings, but everyone taking the trail should keep it in mind that they will have to do some vaulting and ducking. The river was very full today with the lakes looking more like wide spots in the river.

The trail was busy, but the trailhead parking was not full. Numerous small groups and one very large were heading back to the trailhead while I was heading upstream. On my return to the trailhead, I didn't see anyone heading upstream.

Trail description:

In order to get to the Greenwater Lakes Trailhead, find Forest Road 70, only a few miles toward Mount Rainier from Greenwater. Watch for a paved road on the left just beyond the fire station. Follow Road 70 for a little over 9 miles. Not far beyond Road 70's junction with Road 7030, there is a paved road on the right side of the road. At one point there was a sign at this junction, but in 2025 the sign was missing. If you end up at the end of the pavement, you need to turn around.

In short order, cross a creek, pass the trailhead for the Naches Trail, and arrive at a junction. Go left for a large gravel parking area designed for horse trailers or go forward to the main paved parking area with a few picnic tables and a privy. Display your NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) before you start your hike.

The trail starts out flat, drops, and then gains a few dozen feet of elevation, and then drops again to the riverside within the first 3/4 mile. The trail doesn't gain much overall elevation until just before it climbs to Lower Greenwater Lake.

The first crossing of the Greenwater River is actually a double bridge across two branches. After crossing the second bridge turn left at an old trail junction. Not far ahead, in the springtime, there is a decent-sized waterfall on the right side of the trail. Watch for a path that leads to it. It's a fun stop along the way, in season.

The next bridge along the trail is right before reaching lower Greewater Lake and after the previously-mentioned climb. It's sturdy and designed for hikers and horses. Follow along the shore of the first Greenwater Lake and then cross the Greenwater River again. Just beyond this crossing, a right branch trail goes to the privy and dispersed camping areas along with more lake views.

The main trail (left) follows the river closely as it flows across some lovely rapids. Next, another bridge crossing of the Greenwater River on a sturdy bridge. The trail skirts the edge of Upper Greenwater Lake, which may have access points depending on how high the lake level is.

Continue on, crossing Meadow Creek and the Greenwater River via back-to-back bridges at the southern end of Upper Greenwater Lake. After crossing the second bridge, go right. If you want to access the privy, or continue to Echo or Lost Lakes, make almost an immediate left and climb a bit to a side trail to the privy. The main trail continues less than a mile to the next trail junction. At that point, the left trail goes to Echo Lake while the right trail goes to Quinn and Lost Lakes.

Most people taking this trail have reached their destination: Upper Greenwater Lake. Instead of continuing on the main trail, head west through the forest to a dispersed camping area and lake access with views. Explore here if you feel comfortable or turn around and head back to the trailhead, watching for things you missed on the way upstream.

If you want more details on the route to Lost Lake, find that in another post 😄

Photos from May 10th, 2026

If only I would have checked before posting the previous picture from Round Pass! The Westside Road is now open to automobile traffic to the roadblock at Dry Creek.

Photo of Indian Henry's which can technically be reached from the Westside Road (2023)

I can't help but look forward to an active year near my favorite mountain.

Photo from Round Pass, along the Westside Road, in 2023.

I had a suspicion that the Wonderland Trail between Narada Falls and the Reflection Lakes was likely light on snow, so I decided to find out for myself. This seemed like the only option to get to Reflection Lakes since the Stevens Canyon Road has not opened yet.

Arriving at Narada, I suddenly was worried that everyone else had the same idea I did. The parking lot was packed and people were mulling around everywhere. From the bridge over the Paradise River, the trail goes steeply downhill along a wide and mostly-paved route. The corner of the trail where it makes a sharp turn back toward the falls was still slick with snow. The viewpoint was packed and mist was drenching everyone. The water was much higher than it was less than a month ago.

After passing the viewpoint, the trail heads into forest cover. Almost immediately upon entering the forest, the Narada Falls Trail meets the Wonderland Trail. Downhill leads to the Paradise River Camp and Cougar Rock. The uphill trail treads toward Reflection Lakes and, eventually, Box Canyon.

Going uphill, the trail faces a series of steep switchbacks in order to gain the elevation needed to reach the Stevens Canyon Road. Based on Saturday's adventure, be prepared to vault or duck under a few fallen trees along the way. After the switchbacks, the trail summits. At that summit, be sure to take a peak through the trees at an excellent (yet obscured) view of Mount Rainier.

At this point the trail became mostly snowy on Saturday. The going was still relatively easy, but watch out for post-holing. The trail goes gently downhill before bottoming out at the crossing what I think is the outlet stream for a Reflection Lake. From there, the trail bobs up and down within sight of the Stevens Canyon Road, which is above the trail. The road drops in elevation and the trail increases in elevation right before they meet each other. For best views, follow the closed (as of 5/2) road about a 1/2 mile east.

On Saturday, the return route was via the Stevens Canyon Road and Inspiration Point back to the Paradise River. Before crossing the Paradise River, find the Narada Falls Trail and head downhill, steeply at times, along the river. The snow was deep in places, but solid and easy to maneuver. The most challenging part a short section right near the bridge. Continue less than half a mile down stream to reach the Narada Falls Comfort Station.

So my theory was proven correct that it is possible to hike to Reflection Lakes right now. I was blessed as very few other people decided to follow my path. Beyond Narada, I passed two groups. At the lake, there were a few people around, but I had 15 minutes with no bothers as I sat at the lake enjoying the silence. The walk back was strangely busy with many people using the road to access Inspiration Point.

WSDOT took a series of photos that shows them clearing the pass on April 16th, 2026. Curiously, no announcement has been given concerning an opening date, even though it seems like the "good" weather since April 16th should have made their task much easier than normal.

Big Trees. Trail Bridges. Relaxation. All of these things describe the Moss Lake Loop, just off Highway 410 near Camp Sheppard. While not everyone will appreciate this short walk/hike through the woods, there are probably a lot of folks out there who could appreciate this trail in the off season, if added to another longer trail, or if trying to avoid the crowds during prime hiking season.

Find Camp Sheppard between the Skookum Falls overlook and Silver Springs Campground. The parking area includes a privy, but it also requires a NW Forest Pass (or equivalent). Other trails, most notably the Snoqurea Falls Loop Trail, also start from here.

The trail is signed at the trailhead "Moss Lake Loop Tr .09," which is the total distance of the loop from the parking lot, not how far the trail is from the trailhead (confusing, I know). Head into the forest, proceeding about .1 mile to the Camp Sheppard amphitheater.

This is really where the Moss Lake Loop Trail both starts and ends. For best results, take the trail counterclockwise, which is the first trail on the right. Immediately notice the tall trees, Snoquera Creek, and swampy areas that surround the trail. After a few steps, the trail crosses Snoquera Creek on a sturdy bridge, but the trees and wetlands continue to wrap the trail.

Watch for numbers along the trail (they actually started back at the trailhead). Unfortunately, the only online version of the trail guide was based on a different numbering system that has since been replaced. You can find the guide linked to this post. It provides interesting information about the trees in the area, which might be worth printing and taking along the way.

The trail continues south, with benches, boardwalks, bridges, and, of course, lots of tall and big trees. About the time the trail swings east, there is a trail that joins from the right (west) that is nearly a straight-shot from Highway 410, offering an alternate access point for those that choose to park along the highway rather than in the parking lot.

After the turn to the east, the trail keeps turning as the elevation goes up slightly, as it heads north. This side of the "Moss Lake" is really the forest edge rather than swampy. Eventually the trail re-crosses Snoquera Creek and concludes back at the amphitheater. If plans include either the White River Trail or Snoquera Falls Loop, go right and continue the journey. If it's time to head for the car, go left and pass the starting point of the Moss Lake Loop.

Link to "trail guide": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PMORf6XpyLClbnwMTuxGrLE0_Cm6UR7U/view?usp=drive_link

Photos from April 26th, 2026

On display along US 20 in Oregon.

It may not be the most dynamic trail in the park, but each trail at Mount Rainier has something to show off. These photos, taken on October 15th, 2023 so off fall colors and extreme mushrooms along a short portion of the Wonderland Trail.

The trail leaves from the Box Canyon Wayside Exhibit parking area. Cross the Stevens Canyon Road carefully and find the Wonderland Trail sign. Another option is to use a trail that goes right from the Box Canyon Loop Trail just a few hundred feet upstream from Stevens Canyon Road. Either version offers some unique views of the Box Canyon area. Be sure to look down from the high rocks and take in the views to the south, especially.

The trail tops and then contours a small ridge on its less-than-a-mile journey to the Nickel Creek Camp. The trail is wide and tall trees hug the edges. Soon, the trail turns north and reaches Nickel Creek. On my first visit I thought, "Where is the Nickel Creek Camp?" Well, crossing Nickel Creek must come first.

The creek bubbles under a lonely log bridge with no handrails. Depending on the time of the year, the creek can be forded easily if, for some reason, the log displaces itself. Once on the other side, head uphill and upstream slightly. As the trail ventures away from the creek, watch for a sign pointing the way to the camp.

The camp itself is a bit of a distance off the Wonderland Trail. Some campsites overlook the creek, a bit south of the trail's crossing of the creek. Find a good place to relax and decide whether it's worth continuing 2 miles (and 1400 feet of elevation gain) to the next landmark, the Wonderland Trail's junction with the Cowlitz Divide Trail (which starts near the Steven's Canyon Entrance). If it's not worth it, it's time to head back to Box Canyon.

Soda Creek Falls (which apparently also goes by the name Lower Soda Falls) was a pleasant surprise on my visit to Central Oregon on April 19th, 2026. To access Cascadia County Park (which used to be a state park, maybe?), travel US 20 from either Sweet Home or Sisters. The park entrance is well-marked at the highway's junction with Dobbin Creek Road. Cross the 1 1/2 lane bridge and immediately come to an intersection. Continue forward to the year 'round day use area. Park here unless the lot is full. If it is, find parking in the seasonal day use area (if it's open) and walk back to the trailhead.

Maps posted on the kiosks are confusing and difficult to read. The trail to Soda Creek Falls starts at the road crossing of the creek between the day use areas. Another option is to hike through the campground to access a trail the joins the main trail at the north end. Hiking through the camp would be silly, though, since the main trail is much more beautiful.

Once on the main trail, Soda Creek never gets out of earshot and rarely eyesight. Cross one bridge, then another, and then finally another right before the campground trail joins the main trail.

From this point, the trail turns steeper for the remainder of the trip to the waterfall. This part of the trail is fairly narrow and not as easy going as the lower portion. The falls will come into view well before the viewpoints do. The first view is from an area of huge rocks. A steep path drops to the base of the waterfall from here. Continue through the rocks a few hundred feet to a stunning view of the waterfall at the end of the official trail. Another steep path goes downhill to the base of the falls.

Dwell around the falls and get some great pictures if the flow is high or medium. Once you are ready to head back, remember all the places you should have stopped to enjoy the trees and bubbling creek that you didn't stop at for on the uphill trip.

If time allows, another trail from the year 'round parking area offers views of the South Santiam River and Dobbin Creek, which flows into the river on the far side (under Highway 20).

I combined this hike with McDowell Creek, which really isn't far away at all!

Update from April 26th, 2026: The Snquera Falls Loop is snow-free but not logged out. Be aware that on the south portion of the loop a handful of trees are down, which require crossing (only one or two require some off trail travel). On the northern half of the loop, which is less maintained than the southern portion, there are a few trees down and some sketchy rock falls to cross.

Here is a slightly updated trail description:

The Snoquera Falls Loop is nearly a year 'round trail, but the falls aren't very special unless there is a good amount of runoff. In 2024, the falls looked great in April, but in June of 2025 there was almost no water.

To access the trail, find the well-signed Camp Sheppard Trailhead just a short distance toward Mount Rainier from the Skookum Falls roadside viewpoint. A NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) is required at this trailhead, which includes a double vault toilet. If you don't have a pass, there are a few parking spots along 410 just a bit southeast of the Camp Sheppard access road. Also, if you want to take on a longer hike, permit-free parking is the Dalles Creek (Palisades) Trailhead on Highway 410, even closer to the Skookum Falls viewpoint.

There are many trails that loop through the forest near Camp Sheppard. Be careful to stick to the main trail to avoid getting lost. It's surprising how many signs there are, but there are more junctions than signs, so it's still confusing! From the parking lot, follow the well-built trail east, soon reaching Camp Sheppard's outdoor amphitheater. Try to stay with the forward trail, avoiding the nature trail that goes right. If you have extra time, the Moss Lake Loop (0.6 mile) features old growth trees and numerous trail bridges.

Just beyond the amphitheater, the Moss Lake Loop returns to the main trail, and the main trail crosses Snoquera Creek right above the Moss Lake Trail's crossing and then suddenly gets steep. A four-way junction is at the top of this steep section. The return trail is to the right, so remember this junction for later. Take the trail that continues up from here, avoiding the White River Trail that goes right and slightly downhill.

It's time to start the climb to reach the falls. Through thick second growth forest, the trail contours the hillside as it climbs. Strangely enough, the trail comes to yet another junction, which is a good place to take a break after the elevation gain. The unsigned trail to the right is a connector trail back to the White River Trail. For hikers who make the visit to Snoquera an "out-and-back," going down this trail is a good alternative for extra forest exploration on the return. To get to the falls, though, turn left, again climbing uphill. A few switchbacks are in store for the next .75 of a mile. There are some steep parts, but, in general, the trail is in good condition.

Finally the trail levels out and a clearing is visible in the distance. Once in the clearing, look up and down at all the rocks! The trail may also be covered in fallen rocks, so watch your step. Soon, Snoquera Falls (if it's runoff season) comes into view, a few hundred feet above the trail. Keep moving along until the point where the water from the falls crosses the trail. Take it easy and find the best way to cross the water if it's prime runoff season. Otherwise, crossing will be easy. Immediately on the other side, a few different boot paths head uphill to access the base of the falls. Only those with the energy and balance to go both up and down should consider this part of the trek. Nothing is maintained and loose rocks are the rule, not the exception. This is an excellent place to put trekking poles or a sturdy hiking stick into use.

For those going to the top, you will cut through all sorts of foliage along the way, usually full of bugs, maybe even ticks. There are many good views of the waterfall, so turn around points are numerous. Upon reaching the top, those who want a soaking could stand right under the veil of water. Otherwise, there are plenty of rocks and tree remnants to relax on (while potentially being frustrated by bugs). The view out from the falls across the White River Valley is stupendous! Also, the view back down to where you came from might make you a little dizzy. Once you have recovered, crawl downhill and decide if you will make this a loop or an out-and-back hike.

Those who choose to loop should proceed right, immediately hitting a few switchbacks through some surprisingly large trees. This part of the loop has some interesting features, but the trail is not as easy as the southern route was. Watch for unique trees, rocks, and moss as the trail (mostly) drops by way of switchback and non-switchback portions. The trail eventually reaches the White River Trail (again). Going right at this junction takes hikers to the Palisades Trail and the alternate trailhead mentioned earlier. Most people will go left, heading back to Camp Sheppard.

Along the way, look up the avalanche chutes that are used for snow play. Take note of the different parts of the camp that line the trail (but stay on the main trail). The trail sticks to the edge of the camp, and eventually goes uphill for what seems like no reason. Soon, you will cross the familiar creek on yet another bridge (looking downstream you can probably see the other two trail crossings of the same creek). When arriving at a familiar junction, the choice is yours to continue down the White River Trail to explore the forest more, tackle the Moss Lake Nature Trail Loop (back near the amphitheater), or go back to the car.

Even though the Reflection Lakes are right along the Stevens Canyon Road, they can't be overlooked as a part of hiking at Mount Rainier. The trail to Pinnacle Saddle departs from the opposite side of the road as the lakes and shares the parking area. The Wonderland Trail traverses up from Narada Falls and down to Lake Louise, passing the lakes. Similarly, the Lakes Trail and Lakes High Trail allow a loop starting from the Reflection Lake, traversing meadows and allowing Tatoosh views.

It doesn't matter whether it's early in the season or late in the season, bright daylight or colorful sunset, or even foggy or sunny, the lakes are a lovely destination for travelers and hikers alike.

Visiting the Tipsoo Lakes is a classic stop whether at the start of the season in May or June, wildflower season in July and August, or the fall color and fresh snow in September or October. Whether it's foggy, snowy, or bright sun, looping all three lakes makes for a light-duty and enjoyable adventure.

Those who like to avoid the crowds will spend the most time at Upper Tipsoo and the trails that climb Naches Peak. Once above the lake, face downhill and enjoy views of the lakes, and, if the weather is clear, Yakima Peak, Governors Ridge, the Cowlitz Chimneys, and Mount Rainier. On the other hand, walking the nearly flat trails around both Little and Big Tipsoo Lakes stuns the eyes with the contrast between the lakes and rolling hills that surround them.

Match this short and easy hike with other hikes in the area like: Naches Peak Loop, PCT to Sheep Lake (or the longer Sourdough Gap version), or Union Creek Falls. Or, mix it in with a full loop of Mount Rainer by adding any or all of the following quick stop hikes: Silver Falls, Box Canyon, Martha Falls, Myrtle Falls, Narada Falls, or the Trail of the Shadows. If traveling to Sunrise, this a visit to Tipsoo could be combined with the short hikes to Emmons Moraine, Silver Forest, or even Dege Peak. The opportunities are endless!

Memorial Day can't come soon enough!

According to the Mount Rainier NPS website, the road will only close if adverse conditions exist.

Photo from Longmire on April 6th, 2026.